If there’s one important element in franchising, it’s leadership. Strong leadership builds strong franchisees, which builds a strong brand. Franchise expert Derek Cafferata shares his tips on leadership.

Open Communication

Open communication between franchisor and franchisee is one of the most important requirements of good leadership. Open communication instils into your franchisees confidence in the plan and future of the business. Effective communication creates the necessary ongoing support for franchisees to develop and grow their unit.

Effective open communication between franchisor and franchisee happens on various levels. A great franchisor will communicate with franchisees at a corporate networking level, right down to a one-on-one level.

“Particularly in these recent times of the Covid-19 pandemic, franchisors are finding more ways to communicate with their franchisees,” says Derek Cafferata, CEO and President of franchise experts All State Franchise Finders. “Online Zoom network meetings, local area meetings, one-on-one video calls and webinars are just some of the communication options franchisors are rolling out within their business network.”

Decisive Leadership

Each franchisee needs to know that they are part of a strong network. Confident support, advice and clear direction helps franchisees navigate the ups and downs of business, and decisive leadership fosters these.

We are seeing more and more that the business world can change quickly. A company that quickly adapts to those changes will develop in the right direction to stay ahead of the competition. As part of a wider network, each franchisee can put their trust in this.

On a more individual level, decisive leadership can help create a strong and stable bond between franchisor and the individual franchisee. Decisive leadership works at every level of business.

Build Culture

Building a strong culture throughout the business is what franchising is all about. And the best leaders understand the importance of this and know how to achieve it.

When it comes to branding, it is the culture that supports the branding’s effectiveness. As a franchisor, you want customers to have the same service and experience no matter what store they go to within your franchise network.

Feeding the brand’s culture down the ranks to each and every employee creates continuity across the brand, inspires loyalty with employees and keeps customers coming back.

Build Strong Leaders

A good franchisor will choose franchisees who he or she believes will work well within the framework of the business, have the drive to succeed, while understanding that they are part of a larger network.

“The great thing about franchising is that when one succeeds, both succeed,” says Derek. “The more successful the franchisee, the more successful the franchisor, and vice versa.”
Choose those with the right skill set and the right personality to grow the business. They must be independent enough to drive their own business, yet willing to work as part of a team. Invest time, effort, training, culture and vision into these franchisees. The stronger your franchisees, the stronger your business.

Seek the Best Advice

For the best franchising advice, it pays to talk to the experts. Derek Cafferata and his team at All State Franchise Finders are the experts in all things franchising. With decades of experience in national and international franchising matters, they have the knowledge, experience and advice to guide you in the right direction for your business. For more information, contact the team at All State Franchise Finders on 1-800-544-2161 or visit allstateff.com today.